Learn the ‘M’ Technique® In Canada

In-person and online courses with certified instructor Tresa Staeven, CAHP®, CMTP 

  • Evidence-informed, accessible method

  • Designed for clinical & caregiving settings

  • Learn with the only certified instructor in Canada

  • Special rate available for nursing schools 

What Is the ‘M’ Technique®? 

The ‘M’ Technique® is a gentle method of structured touch for the purposes of comfort and relaxation. This manual technique is not massage therapy, but a mindful approach to touch that is relatively easy to learn, and safe for fragile patients.

Designed by Dr. Jane Buckle, RN, PhD, in the 1990s, the ‘M’ Technique® uses touch as a means of holistic communication. 

It works on skin receptor sites that send relaxation signals to the brain, helping to reduce the activation of stress responses (“fight or flight”) and encourage parasympathetic nervous system activity. 

The ‘M’ Technique® involves a set protocol and sequence that anyone can learn, including caregivers, family members, volunteers, nurses, and health professionals. Evidence supports its use for reducing stress, pain, and agitation. 

More information on the ‘M’ Technique® can be found here.

Benefits of the ‘M’ Technique® may include: 

  • Reduced stress and anxiety

  • Reduced perception of chronic pain

  • Reduced agitation

  • Increased relaxation

Individuals who may benefit from the ‘M’ Technique® include those who are:

  • Fragile or critically ill 

  • Living with chronic illness 

  • At end-of-life

  • Stressed or anxious 

  • Older

  • In a long-term care setting 

  • Caregivers

  • Healthy! Touch is a basic, primal form of communication that we can all benefit from. 

Why Learn the ‘M’ Technique®? 

The ‘M’ Technique® is accessible and reasonably easy to learn including for those who are not trained in massage or who are not healthcare providers. 

For those who are healthcare providers, this is a simple, evidence-informed method of providing additional comfort and care to your patients, especially those who are more fragile, anxious, or critically ill.  

‘M’ Technique® training is right for:  

  • Individuals working in hospital or hospice settings 

  • Students at nursing colleges, massage schools, or other healthcare education settings

  • Practicing nurses, massage therapists, and other healthcare professionals 

  • Caregivers, family members, or friends 

  • Volunteers and patient ambassadors 

About Your Instructor

Hi, I’m Tresa! I’m a certified aromatherapist, certified ‘M’ Technique® Practitioner and Instructor, and certified naturopath based in Montreal. After spending 24 years in the corporate world, I left my job to focus fully on bringing the gifts of aromatherapy and holistic wellness to others. 

I first learned the Hand & Foot ‘M’ Technique® in order to be able to work with those in hospice and home health settings. I was in awe after that certification of how effective this simple method could be! 

Now, I’m proud to be able to offer accessible training to other professionals and caregivers as the only certified ‘M’ Technique® instructor in Canada. 

‘M’ Technique® Courses 

I offer the following ‘M’ Technique® courses, in person and online. 

Hand & Foot: 

  • 4 hour training 

  • Involves a written assessment and practical demonstration 

  • Certificate of attendance is available for nurses and therapists 

  • Suitable for nurses, therapists, non-therapists, caregivers, and anyone interested in learning a safe, reliable method of touch 

Full Body: 

  • 14 hour training

  • Involves a written assessment and practical demonstration

  • 2 case studies

  • Certificate of attendance is available for nurses and therapists

  • Suitable for those with a license to touch 

What You’ll Learn

When you take an ‘M’ Technique® course, you’ll learn exactly how to use the sequence, including the set strokes, repetition, pace, and pressure. You’ll also learn about relevant safety and ethics considerations so that you can use the technique with confidence. 

Certification For Health Professionals 

All individuals who successfully complete an ‘M’ Technique® course, including caregivers, family members, and other non-healthcare professionals, will receive a Certificate of Attendance. 

In order to become a certified ‘M’ Technique® Practitioner, qualified candidates must complete and submit 2 case studies within 6 months of completion of the Full Body course. Please note this is only applicable to health professionals or practitioners with a license to touch. 

Register for an upcoming training session here: 

Stay tuned for upcoming sessions.

If you can’t make these dates or would like to book a training session for your care facility, school, or other group, please get in touch.  

I offer a special rate for courses in nursing school environments. If this applies to you, please reach out for more information. 

Register For a Training Session